Well, was I the only one or did you find today's lesson a bit on the depressing side? I agree with everything she was saying, but the thought of living until I'm 100 and more then likely reaching that ripe ole age without Ron is not a pleasant thought to me.
That being said, I will admit that Ron and I have a plan in place for both retirement and in the event that the Lord choice to make me a widow. Planning for retirement has not always been fun for me, I'm a live for the moment kinda gal!! LOL!! But as we draw closer to it, I'm grateful that the Lord gave me a husband who was wise enough to know and understand the important of it early on (even if he had a cranky wife). Our reality is that Ron could retire in as little as 10 years from now it is a nice feeling knowing that we will not be a burden to our kids!
All that said, it is wise to plan ahead and in so doing being able to laugh at the future.
Nola
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Day 75
Hard to believe we have been at this for 75 days!! We only have two more weeks, are you still out there?
Today's lesson brought back a sweet memory. When I was in high school, I was a part of a youth choir at our church. We would practice all fall and winter and then in during the spring, we would go on "tour". We would perform at local church churches and then at the end of our season we would go away for the weekend and have our last hooray. When we did these trips we were always at the mercy of the local church body to give places to stay.
In my Senior year, we went to Chula Vista (just south of San Diego, literally within walking distance of the border). To say that this community was poor was an understatement! Or don't get me wrong there were some very nice houses, as there are in any community, but for the most part, the people at this particular church did have much, yet they opened their homes and their hearts to us.
I and a girlfriend got to stay with a military family who had two small boys (dad was overseas at the time). They didn't have much! Their house was a simple 2 bedroom bungalow with cold tile floors and sparse furnishings, but the mom's hospitality outshone all that!!! She had opened her home to strangers and had taken us in and feed us. Even though she didn't have much, she shared what she had with us. It spoke volumes to me about how we are to serve one another.
Today's Tip ~
Don't Be Robbed!
Don't be robbed of the blessing you will receive when you give what you have to others!! If the opportunity ever arises, open you home to serve others!
Nola
Today's lesson brought back a sweet memory. When I was in high school, I was a part of a youth choir at our church. We would practice all fall and winter and then in during the spring, we would go on "tour". We would perform at local church churches and then at the end of our season we would go away for the weekend and have our last hooray. When we did these trips we were always at the mercy of the local church body to give places to stay.
In my Senior year, we went to Chula Vista (just south of San Diego, literally within walking distance of the border). To say that this community was poor was an understatement! Or don't get me wrong there were some very nice houses, as there are in any community, but for the most part, the people at this particular church did have much, yet they opened their homes and their hearts to us.
I and a girlfriend got to stay with a military family who had two small boys (dad was overseas at the time). They didn't have much! Their house was a simple 2 bedroom bungalow with cold tile floors and sparse furnishings, but the mom's hospitality outshone all that!!! She had opened her home to strangers and had taken us in and feed us. Even though she didn't have much, she shared what she had with us. It spoke volumes to me about how we are to serve one another.
Today's Tip ~
Don't Be Robbed!
Don't be robbed of the blessing you will receive when you give what you have to others!! If the opportunity ever arises, open you home to serve others!
Nola
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Day 74
I gotta tell ya, Ron and I have been opening our home(s) (we have moved 10 times in 30 years of marriage) for years now and I do have to admit that as a young wife and busy mom, it was not always with a gleeful heart, but we have been blessed in spite of my attitude.
Now, years later the Lord has blessed us with a house that accommodates groups nicely and we joyfully open our home. After living in Las Vegas for 4 years, I am grateful that the Lord brought us back to California and we have been blessed to be able to use our home for him.
I do have to confess that my home is not always "company-ready", but then again who's is? So don't let that stop you. Most people are just happy to have a place to fellowship. It's doesn't have to look like Martha lives there!
Today's Tip~
Check out FlyLady.com!
I know I have sung her praises before, but she gives tips, that if followed will help you be ready any time to open your home.
Nola
Now, years later the Lord has blessed us with a house that accommodates groups nicely and we joyfully open our home. After living in Las Vegas for 4 years, I am grateful that the Lord brought us back to California and we have been blessed to be able to use our home for him.
I do have to confess that my home is not always "company-ready", but then again who's is? So don't let that stop you. Most people are just happy to have a place to fellowship. It's doesn't have to look like Martha lives there!
Today's Tip~
Check out FlyLady.com!
I know I have sung her praises before, but she gives tips, that if followed will help you be ready any time to open your home.
Nola
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Day 73
OOPS!!! Where did today go? Sorry to be blogging so late in the day.
I kinda thought today's lesson was a wee bit scary! I mean I'm all for opening my home and being a gracious hostess, but I think the gal Donna introduced us to this morning was the first cousin to Martha herself!!!
Let's not forget that whether we supply 2-ply TP or give cute little wrapped gifts to our house guests, our real mission is to be willing hostesses, opening our homes and showing the love of Christ to our guests.
Today's Tip~
Save the Soap!
Whenever I go to a hotel, I always bring the little soaps, lotions and shampoos home with me. I keep them in a plastic shoe box and whenever we have overnight guests, I place the items on a folder bath towel and wash clothes that I leave on their bed.
It's just a little something to make them feel special and it didn't cost me a dime (except the price of the hotel room, LOL)
I kinda thought today's lesson was a wee bit scary! I mean I'm all for opening my home and being a gracious hostess, but I think the gal Donna introduced us to this morning was the first cousin to Martha herself!!!
Let's not forget that whether we supply 2-ply TP or give cute little wrapped gifts to our house guests, our real mission is to be willing hostesses, opening our homes and showing the love of Christ to our guests.
Today's Tip~
Save the Soap!
Whenever I go to a hotel, I always bring the little soaps, lotions and shampoos home with me. I keep them in a plastic shoe box and whenever we have overnight guests, I place the items on a folder bath towel and wash clothes that I leave on their bed.
It's just a little something to make them feel special and it didn't cost me a dime (except the price of the hotel room, LOL)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Day 72
I'm a big fan of dressing spiritually! After I've taken my bath (asked the Lord to forgive me for things I've said, attitudes I displayed and thoughts I've thought the day before), I get dressed in my spiritual armor. I mentally go through and put on each piece. I like to picture the "helmet of salvation" having a mouth guard for 2 reasons, one to keep me from saying things I shouldn't and one to help keep food out that I shouldn't eat. Doesn't always work, but I like the thought all the same.
The Lord has given us a great gift in providing armor for us to wear, let's not forget to put it on daily!
Today's Tip~
Read It, Write It, Wear It!
Look up the passage regarding God's armor starting in Eph 6:11. Then write it out on an index card. Memorize it so you can put on the pieces each morning and be ready for your day!
Nola
The Lord has given us a great gift in providing armor for us to wear, let's not forget to put it on daily!
Today's Tip~
Read It, Write It, Wear It!
Look up the passage regarding God's armor starting in Eph 6:11. Then write it out on an index card. Memorize it so you can put on the pieces each morning and be ready for your day!
Nola
Monday, September 22, 2008
Week 11
Good Morning Girls,
I found myself smiling this morning as I read today's lesson. I get a daily blog called "Everyday Cheapskates" written by Mary Hunt and today's was all about breakfast!!! She gave some great tips that went right along with today lesson, so I'm gonna share~
Ready, Set, Breakfast!
Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but by many reports 40 percent of kids don't eat breakfast.
Why aren't your kids eating breakfast each day? Most likely it is because your family is already rushed and you don't have time, but breakfast doesn't have to mean homemade waffles or French toast every day. Here are some tips, tricks and ideas to get you started with quick and easy breakfasts, especially on school days, that are kid-friendly and nutritious.
Make it fun. Create your breakfast menu for the coming week, and post it on the 'fridge where even the youngest kids will see it. Give each day's breakfast a clever or funny name. Now, you're committed.
Get ready. Set the breakfast table the night before, even if it's only for juice and cereal.
New rule. In the same way you require the kids to brush their teeth each day before leaving the house, make eating breakfast a house rule. Repeat for 21 days straight and it will become a habit.
Make it ahead. Keep pancake or waffle batter in the refrigerator, ready to pour on the griddle.
Frozen muffins. On the weekend, make a batch of muffins all the way to the point of filling the paper-lined muffin tins. Instead of baking them, pop them into the freezer. In the morning take out the number of frozen muffins you need, place them in a muffin tin, allow to thaw for a few minutes then bake as instructed.
Poach an egg. Line a coffee cup or soup cup with a piece of clingy plastic wrap. Break an egg and drop it carefully in the plastic, bag it up like a goldfish and tie with a twist tie. Drop the egg pouch in boiling water. After three minutes, remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate. Unwrap the plastic and roll your egg out. This beats the old way every time.
Microwaved eggs, cheese and ham. Put two or three eggs in a microwave-safe bowl and add chopped-up ham. Add some shredded cheese and a shot of milk (about 1 to 2 teaspoons) and mix. Microwave mixture on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Scramble with a fork every minute or so during cooking.
Peanut butter-banana smoothie. Add one small ripe banana, sliced, two tablespoons creamy peanut butter and one tablespoon honey to a blender. Blend until smooth. Add one cup cold milk and blend until foamy. Serve immediately. Serves: 1.
Banana dog. Spread peanut butter, banana slices and raisins on a whole-grain hot dog bun. This makes a quick, delicious and portable breakfast treat.
Breakfast taco: Place shredded cheese on a tortilla. Fold it in half and microwave. Top it with salsa.
Breakfast pizza. Cut an English muffin in half, brush it with leftover spaghetti sauce and top it with shredded cheese. Pop it under the broiler until cheese is melted. This is a big hit with most kids.
There you go: quick and easy ideas to get you going in the morning. Just in case you need more evidence that eating breakfast is the way to go, studies show that kids who don't eat breakfast are less able to learn at school, get less iron (an important nutrient) in their diets and are more likely to be overweight.
On the other hand, kids who eat breakfast do better in school, are more likely to participate in physical activities and tend to eat healthier overall. So tomorrow morning, don't run out the door on an empty stomach. Fuel up with a healthy breakfast!
In light of all that, I think I will skip Today's Tip. I think that is enough food for thought (pardon the pun,LOL)
Have a blessed day!
Nola
I found myself smiling this morning as I read today's lesson. I get a daily blog called "Everyday Cheapskates" written by Mary Hunt and today's was all about breakfast!!! She gave some great tips that went right along with today lesson, so I'm gonna share~
Ready, Set, Breakfast!
Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but by many reports 40 percent of kids don't eat breakfast.
Why aren't your kids eating breakfast each day? Most likely it is because your family is already rushed and you don't have time, but breakfast doesn't have to mean homemade waffles or French toast every day. Here are some tips, tricks and ideas to get you started with quick and easy breakfasts, especially on school days, that are kid-friendly and nutritious.
Make it fun. Create your breakfast menu for the coming week, and post it on the 'fridge where even the youngest kids will see it. Give each day's breakfast a clever or funny name. Now, you're committed.
Get ready. Set the breakfast table the night before, even if it's only for juice and cereal.
New rule. In the same way you require the kids to brush their teeth each day before leaving the house, make eating breakfast a house rule. Repeat for 21 days straight and it will become a habit.
Make it ahead. Keep pancake or waffle batter in the refrigerator, ready to pour on the griddle.
Frozen muffins. On the weekend, make a batch of muffins all the way to the point of filling the paper-lined muffin tins. Instead of baking them, pop them into the freezer. In the morning take out the number of frozen muffins you need, place them in a muffin tin, allow to thaw for a few minutes then bake as instructed.
Poach an egg. Line a coffee cup or soup cup with a piece of clingy plastic wrap. Break an egg and drop it carefully in the plastic, bag it up like a goldfish and tie with a twist tie. Drop the egg pouch in boiling water. After three minutes, remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate. Unwrap the plastic and roll your egg out. This beats the old way every time.
Microwaved eggs, cheese and ham. Put two or three eggs in a microwave-safe bowl and add chopped-up ham. Add some shredded cheese and a shot of milk (about 1 to 2 teaspoons) and mix. Microwave mixture on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Scramble with a fork every minute or so during cooking.
Peanut butter-banana smoothie. Add one small ripe banana, sliced, two tablespoons creamy peanut butter and one tablespoon honey to a blender. Blend until smooth. Add one cup cold milk and blend until foamy. Serve immediately. Serves: 1.
Banana dog. Spread peanut butter, banana slices and raisins on a whole-grain hot dog bun. This makes a quick, delicious and portable breakfast treat.
Breakfast taco: Place shredded cheese on a tortilla. Fold it in half and microwave. Top it with salsa.
Breakfast pizza. Cut an English muffin in half, brush it with leftover spaghetti sauce and top it with shredded cheese. Pop it under the broiler until cheese is melted. This is a big hit with most kids.
There you go: quick and easy ideas to get you going in the morning. Just in case you need more evidence that eating breakfast is the way to go, studies show that kids who don't eat breakfast are less able to learn at school, get less iron (an important nutrient) in their diets and are more likely to be overweight.
On the other hand, kids who eat breakfast do better in school, are more likely to participate in physical activities and tend to eat healthier overall. So tomorrow morning, don't run out the door on an empty stomach. Fuel up with a healthy breakfast!
In light of all that, I think I will skip Today's Tip. I think that is enough food for thought (pardon the pun,LOL)
Have a blessed day!
Nola
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Day 67
"Dear Lord, thank you for creating the Sabbath as a gift for your people"
I think the opening line of Donna's prayer says it all! The simple truth is the Sabbath is a gift from our Father God. This is something that took me awhile to really understand. It wasn't until I was well into my thirties that I really took hold of it. At the time, we were given the privilege of living next door to a pastor and his family (what a blessing). It was Vernita, the pastor wife, who not only taught me the important of resting on the Sabbath, but she lived it. She worked hard throughout the week being the mother of four boys, but come Sunday she rested.
Today's Tip ~
It's OK!
If for some reason you have to work on Sunday (and sometimes we do!), it's OK! Don't become so legalistic that you are unable to help a friend move or tell your boss you can't work on Sunday. Make another day your Sabbath! Just make sure that you rest one day a week.
Nola
I think the opening line of Donna's prayer says it all! The simple truth is the Sabbath is a gift from our Father God. This is something that took me awhile to really understand. It wasn't until I was well into my thirties that I really took hold of it. At the time, we were given the privilege of living next door to a pastor and his family (what a blessing). It was Vernita, the pastor wife, who not only taught me the important of resting on the Sabbath, but she lived it. She worked hard throughout the week being the mother of four boys, but come Sunday she rested.
Today's Tip ~
It's OK!
If for some reason you have to work on Sunday (and sometimes we do!), it's OK! Don't become so legalistic that you are unable to help a friend move or tell your boss you can't work on Sunday. Make another day your Sabbath! Just make sure that you rest one day a week.
Nola
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Day 66
OOPS! Missed another day, sorry!! Things are a bit busy these days and although I have read the lesson each day, I seem to be having trouble getting on the blog. I will do better! But I'm here today and I thought in light of today's lesson, it would be fun to share our own "family traditions". Here's one our family favorites, goofy, but well loved!
Every time it rains, we have waffles for dinner!! Mind you, we haven't done this as much in recent years with the lack of rain, but you can be sure to get a nice fluffy waffle at our house if there is even the hint of rain. In fact the first time our daughter-in-law, Jamie ever ate dinner with us, it was raining. I figure no time like the present to introduce her to our weirdness so we went right ahead and served waffles. If made for a fun memory that she talks about to this day (10 years later). Once they got married Ron and I gave them a waffle maker so they could continue the "tradition".
Today's Tip ~
Make a Memory!!
I am big on this!! Life is way too short not to have fun so start making memories and build tradition! It can be simple or elaborate, just make sure to make it a "we always".
Looking forward to hearing about your "We Always"!
Nola
Every time it rains, we have waffles for dinner!! Mind you, we haven't done this as much in recent years with the lack of rain, but you can be sure to get a nice fluffy waffle at our house if there is even the hint of rain. In fact the first time our daughter-in-law, Jamie ever ate dinner with us, it was raining. I figure no time like the present to introduce her to our weirdness so we went right ahead and served waffles. If made for a fun memory that she talks about to this day (10 years later). Once they got married Ron and I gave them a waffle maker so they could continue the "tradition".
Today's Tip ~
Make a Memory!!
I am big on this!! Life is way too short not to have fun so start making memories and build tradition! It can be simple or elaborate, just make sure to make it a "we always".
Looking forward to hearing about your "We Always"!
Nola
Monday, September 15, 2008
Week 10
Hi Girls,
I'm back!! We had a wonderful relaxing weekend, but now it is back to the grind! Today we kick off week 10 and I gotta tell ya I was smiling when I read the part in today lesson about Dr Laura's book, "The Care and Feeding of Husbands". I know that you , Sarah are reading this book and it gives my heart a tickle to see a young bride striving to get to know her and learn how to take care of your husband better. I have yet to read the book, but I hear it's good one.
If I were to pick one thing off of Donna's list that I thought was a top priority for men to receive, I would have to pick respect! Respect your guy, girls!!! Respect his job, his hobbies, his looks and so on. A little respect goes a long way.
At any rate, I can tell you after 30 years of marriage I have done some things right and a whole lots things wrong, but I am beyond blessed to be married to wonderful guy.
Today's Tip ~
Get The Book!
As I mentioned, I have yet to read Dr. Laura's book, but I think I will get it and read it! You know the old saying that "life does not come with a how-to manual", well it does come with some really good reads that can help us become better people, wives and mothers. So read!!!
Nola
I'm back!! We had a wonderful relaxing weekend, but now it is back to the grind! Today we kick off week 10 and I gotta tell ya I was smiling when I read the part in today lesson about Dr Laura's book, "The Care and Feeding of Husbands". I know that you , Sarah are reading this book and it gives my heart a tickle to see a young bride striving to get to know her and learn how to take care of your husband better. I have yet to read the book, but I hear it's good one.
If I were to pick one thing off of Donna's list that I thought was a top priority for men to receive, I would have to pick respect! Respect your guy, girls!!! Respect his job, his hobbies, his looks and so on. A little respect goes a long way.
At any rate, I can tell you after 30 years of marriage I have done some things right and a whole lots things wrong, but I am beyond blessed to be married to wonderful guy.
Today's Tip ~
Get The Book!
As I mentioned, I have yet to read Dr. Laura's book, but I think I will get it and read it! You know the old saying that "life does not come with a how-to manual", well it does come with some really good reads that can help us become better people, wives and mothers. So read!!!
Nola
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Day 60
Sorry you didn't hear from me yesterday, Ron and I are leaving today for a wedding up north and with organizing the up-coming women's retreat and getting the house ready for Community group tonight, I've just been buried! So...not so much a P31 women, but I learning to get more organized!! LOL
I loved today's lesson!!! We all serve God and each other!! When I was growing up I was the youngest of three kids and the only girl. Made for a perfect "Princess-in-the-making", which wasn't all bad but when I got married I didn't know too much about running a household. Now don't get me wrong I was taught to cook and clean, but I was never expected to do my own laundry, pay my own car insurance or make my bed. Please understand I had great, loving and Godly parents, I just led a very pampered (not to be confused with rich) life where I was clearly sheltered from the responsibilities of everyday reality.
So all that to say, when I had kids of my own, even though they were boys, I was determined that when they got married or one day left the house, they would be responsible adults who know how to cook, clean and heavens, do their own laundry.
Now our boys are grown and I'm happy to say this is the case. I cannot tell you the joy I get every time my daughter-in-law tells me I "raised him (Devon) right". There are time when I truly think my parents did me a disservice (even though they meant well at the time)and these are issues that I have dealt with (along with a very loving and patience husband) over the years. Trust me when I say you are doing your kids and their future spouses no favors by pampering them.
Today's Tip~
10 Minute Clean-up!
This works even if you don't have kids yet (husbands need to be trained too). Call the family together and set the timer. Tell them they have 10 minutes to get as much stuff put away as possible. Or assign jobs, one can vacuum, one can take out all the trash and another can load/unload the dishwasher. It's amazing what can be done in 10 minutes when you all work together!!! It's even kinda fun!!!
I'm afraid you won't hear from tomorrow since we are leaving in couple of hours and I won't have access to a computer, but know that I will be reading the lessons and will be thinking about you!
Nola
I loved today's lesson!!! We all serve God and each other!! When I was growing up I was the youngest of three kids and the only girl. Made for a perfect "Princess-in-the-making", which wasn't all bad but when I got married I didn't know too much about running a household. Now don't get me wrong I was taught to cook and clean, but I was never expected to do my own laundry, pay my own car insurance or make my bed. Please understand I had great, loving and Godly parents, I just led a very pampered (not to be confused with rich) life where I was clearly sheltered from the responsibilities of everyday reality.
So all that to say, when I had kids of my own, even though they were boys, I was determined that when they got married or one day left the house, they would be responsible adults who know how to cook, clean and heavens, do their own laundry.
Now our boys are grown and I'm happy to say this is the case. I cannot tell you the joy I get every time my daughter-in-law tells me I "raised him (Devon) right". There are time when I truly think my parents did me a disservice (even though they meant well at the time)and these are issues that I have dealt with (along with a very loving and patience husband) over the years. Trust me when I say you are doing your kids and their future spouses no favors by pampering them.
Today's Tip~
10 Minute Clean-up!
This works even if you don't have kids yet (husbands need to be trained too). Call the family together and set the timer. Tell them they have 10 minutes to get as much stuff put away as possible. Or assign jobs, one can vacuum, one can take out all the trash and another can load/unload the dishwasher. It's amazing what can be done in 10 minutes when you all work together!!! It's even kinda fun!!!
I'm afraid you won't hear from tomorrow since we are leaving in couple of hours and I won't have access to a computer, but know that I will be reading the lessons and will be thinking about you!
Nola
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Day 58
The purging continues!! I have moved 4 times in the past 6 years so I have become the Queen of Purging!!! So I love everything about today's lesson. I grew up in a home with two packrats for parents. I love them dearly, but once I got married I learned you really could throw "it" away, even if you think you might be able to use it "someday"!!
Today's Tip~
Take 15 Minutes a Day!
Take 15 minutes a day and pick an area (preferably in one of your hotspot rooms) and start purging (set your timer). Once your time is up, stop and go back to it tomorrow!! If you do just 15 minutes each day by month's end you will have your hotspot put out.
It truly is amazing what you can get done in a short time frame! I love that Carolyn shared that she got her whole pantry done in 20 minutes!!
Happy Purging!
Nola
Today's Tip~
Take 15 Minutes a Day!
Take 15 minutes a day and pick an area (preferably in one of your hotspot rooms) and start purging (set your timer). Once your time is up, stop and go back to it tomorrow!! If you do just 15 minutes each day by month's end you will have your hotspot put out.
It truly is amazing what you can get done in a short time frame! I love that Carolyn shared that she got her whole pantry done in 20 minutes!!
Happy Purging!
Nola
Monday, September 8, 2008
Day 57
As you can see I took a three day weekend! Sorry!! I was just so outrageously busy on Friday, the day just came and went and I'm not sure what happened to it! But I'm back and it's day 57!!!
This week we are going back to "Home Management". Today's lesson reminded me a lot of the Fly Lady (the Home Organizational/De-cluttering Queen who has her own website: www.flylady.com).
Breaking our home into zones is a great way to manage it. Than applying the 80/20 rule makes it easy to see what really needs our attention.
Today's Tip~
Use Your Timer!!!
For those of you who were at the our last Mugs and Muffins meeting (HOTC Monthly women gathering) you are familiar with the Fly Lady and using your timer. If you weren't there, I highly recommend checking out her website and then using your timer!! I break all my tasks into 10 or 15 minutes time frames, set my timer and go!!! It's amazing what you can get done in just 10 minutes (did you know it only take 2 minutes to make a bed?).
I'm off to clean my office!!! (:
Nola
This week we are going back to "Home Management". Today's lesson reminded me a lot of the Fly Lady (the Home Organizational/De-cluttering Queen who has her own website: www.flylady.com).
Breaking our home into zones is a great way to manage it. Than applying the 80/20 rule makes it easy to see what really needs our attention.
Today's Tip~
Use Your Timer!!!
For those of you who were at the our last Mugs and Muffins meeting (HOTC Monthly women gathering) you are familiar with the Fly Lady and using your timer. If you weren't there, I highly recommend checking out her website and then using your timer!! I break all my tasks into 10 or 15 minutes time frames, set my timer and go!!! It's amazing what you can get done in just 10 minutes (did you know it only take 2 minutes to make a bed?).
I'm off to clean my office!!! (:
Nola
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Day 53
I have to admit right up front I had trouble with today's lesson (I'm a great leader,LOL). Don't get me wrong, I totally agree with Donna about real estate being a great investment, but let's talk turkey here!!! You have to have some big bucks to make this work and in this day and age, even with having a pristine credit rating it hard to find a lender who wants to part with their cash. So I will be honest I didn't even read all of Tamara,s strategies (hence not reading the entire lesson, if I missed something please let me know).
I'm sorry to be such a spoiled sport about it, but I not really sure if this lesson applies to any of us at this point in our lives. However, if and when you come into some money to invest, I wholeheartedly agree with Donna, real estate is the way to go!
Nola
I'm sorry to be such a spoiled sport about it, but I not really sure if this lesson applies to any of us at this point in our lives. However, if and when you come into some money to invest, I wholeheartedly agree with Donna, real estate is the way to go!
Nola
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Day 52
Direct Marketing, now this is something that I have had personal experience in. As I mentioned yesterday, I have sold a number things and have had a few home-based businesses. Two of those ventures were direct marketing. One was rubber stamps and the other was a line of clothing. I jumped into both of them because I wanted to get some of the product for myself, so imagine my delight when I started to actually make money beside being able to dress nicer and feed my rubber stamp obsession.
The clothing one didn’t last long, but the rubber stamp one prove to be rather lucrative, especially once I got some gals under me.
Today’s Tip~
Find Something You Like!
Find and sell a product that you would like. All of these companies give you a starter kit, which you get to keep for yourself and they all offer a substantial discount on their product line so find something that you would use yourself. If you like to cook then “Pampered Chef” may be your niche. If you like make-up then try “Mary Kay”, if jewelry is your thing look into “Cookie Lee”. It much easier to sell a product that you would use or believe in.
Nola
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Day 51
This week is kinda fun for me because I have to admit the Lord blessed me with an entrepreneurial spirit. Yes, I was one of those kids that sold Lemonade on the street corner!!! Since then I have had several small home-based businesses (and a wonderful husband who has supported each and every crazy idea I’ve had).
I have done everything from selling clothes and rubberstamps for “home party” companies to painting and selling (quite successfully) tee shirts that I hand painted. Most recently I had a “Staging” business and for the past 20 years I have painted and personalized ornaments every Christmas, selling thousands of them to date.
I have never made a killing at any business (although the ornaments do pay for Christmas each year), but I did enjoy the small income that they generated and freedom to be at home while our boys were young.
Today’s Tip
Find your Niche!!
The businesses that have been the most successful for me were the one where I incorporated my God-given talent. I’m the first to admit that I am no Mary Englebreit or Thomas Kincaid, but I do enjoy drawing and creating artful things. So find your talent and start there! I have a friend who is an organizing whiz and she has started a home-based business helping small business owners get organized and stay there. My daughter-in-law, Jamie has an amazing talent for finding the best prices on hotels, air travel and rental cars. She is in the process of selling herself (and her talent) to companies who would save time and money by hiring her, via the internet as their in-house (all while she is in her house).
Nola
I have done everything from selling clothes and rubberstamps for “home party” companies to painting and selling (quite successfully) tee shirts that I hand painted. Most recently I had a “Staging” business and for the past 20 years I have painted and personalized ornaments every Christmas, selling thousands of them to date.
I have never made a killing at any business (although the ornaments do pay for Christmas each year), but I did enjoy the small income that they generated and freedom to be at home while our boys were young.
Today’s Tip
Find your Niche!!
The businesses that have been the most successful for me were the one where I incorporated my God-given talent. I’m the first to admit that I am no Mary Englebreit or Thomas Kincaid, but I do enjoy drawing and creating artful things. So find your talent and start there! I have a friend who is an organizing whiz and she has started a home-based business helping small business owners get organized and stay there. My daughter-in-law, Jamie has an amazing talent for finding the best prices on hotels, air travel and rental cars. She is in the process of selling herself (and her talent) to companies who would save time and money by hiring her, via the internet as their in-house (all while she is in her house).
Nola
Day 50
Day 50, WOW. Hope most of you are still hanging in there with us!!! If you have made it this far congratulations!!! We only have 39 days to go (just a little over a month left), that seems pretty doable!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
